Post by arf on Jan 21, 2009 13:38:04 GMT
Middlesex record 1st victory!
Having faced the heavyweights of the SCCU and scoring a respectable 0.5/2, Middlesex were able to record their first win of the cycle against a redoubtable Sussex.
On paper Middlesex were the stronger team however as is always the case a match is not won by comparing the line-ups! After two quick draws, Middlesex scored successive wins on Boards 13 and 14 (Zafer and George respectively) to establish a nice gap. Thoughts of the Open Team replicating the u175 team's result in their recent match against Kent was reinforced when with 10games played a 4 point lead was established as Julian (Board 5), and Mike (Board 15) recorded 2 more wins. Score 7-3. Unfortunately these thoughts were banished when Sussex staged a late recovery. Although Colin's draw ensured Middlesex couldn't be beaten - score 8-5 - the resilence shown by our opponents meant that the result of the match - win or draw - fell to John Quinn on board 7. John always looked comfortable having the draw in hand but went on to duly obtain a win. Final score 9-7!
Full details at:
www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm
In close matches there are never a significant amount of highlights to comment on but the ones of note are:
1) The debuts of Joseff Thomas and Ben Purton - both welcome additions to the Middlesex family! And
2) Minatures from the Metropolitan pair of George - wins in 13moves - and Zafer - wins in 25.
This win sees us well-placed in third behind Kent and Surrey. A win in our next match against Essex on the 14th February - Yes Valentine's Day, not sure what the controller was thinking, although on second thoughts it might be a good thing!- combined with a Herts-Sussex draw will guarantee qualification for the National Stage. Here's hoping.
Having mentioned that qualification for the National Stage is on track, for those of you who are interested the ECF draw has been done www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/matchbcf.htm
You will note that there are 3 teams qualifying from the SCCU and in the probable event we finish 3rd we are earmarked to play in the preliminary round. In order for this not to happen we will not only need to win our last two matches but hope the heavyweight clash between Kent and Surrey also on the 14th February goes the way of Kent. For the mathematicians for you out there yes this will mean we cede our chances of winning the SCCU open title but in the event we tfinish level with Surrey our draw will see us leapfrog them as we win on board count. To be in with a shout of the title too many variables need to be considered but notwithstanding these we'd have to start with two wins.